Las Vegas Cool Down Tour | 4-days, 3-nights

BRYCE CANYON • ZION • GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

The Las Vegas Cool Down tour explores the cooler side of the American West including Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon North Rim National Parks.

At 8,000 feet in elevation, Bryce Canyon offers cooler temperatures amongst the bright orange hoodoos. The incredible canyon walls of Zion will keep you well shaded when hiking through the many trails, and Grand Canyon North Rim boasts temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. In the 1920s, this Western itinerary was original the Grand Circle, when the Utah Parks Company transported Union Pacific Railroad workers from Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park in a circular trip, hence the name, Grand Circle. At the end of each adventurous day, enjoy lodging inside each National Park for the best access to the excitement!

Why DETOURS?

Small group tour with up to 12 passengers – no crowds!

The best historical lodging in the National Parks – no lines!

Custom touring vehicles with comfortable, individual captain’s chairs, plenty of legroom, and large picture windows to enjoy the views

Expert guides who are CPR and FirstAid certified

Tour Dates & Pricing

Early Summer 2019: May 19 & June 9 & July 7Late Summer 2019: August 11 & September 9

$1,495 per person for double occupancy
$1,973 per person for single occupancy

TRAVEL INFO

Cancellation and Payment PolicyTours require a 10% non-refundable deposit by credit card at the time of booking. Final tour balance is due 36 days prior to tour departure date. Tours canceled less than 36 days prior to departure or no shows will be charged in full.

Pre and Post Tour AccommodationsFor an additional cost, DETOURS can book pre and/or post tour accommodation packages at preferred hotels. We recommend booking pre and post tour accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas South, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, or The Palazzo. We pick up and drop off at these hotels only. Guests staying at other hotels will be responsible for transportation to the nearest pick up location on the first day and from the nearest drop off location on the final day.

Group SizeOur vehicles are designed to carry up to 12 passengers in individual captain’s chairs. Tour group size will range from 8 guests, which is our guest minimum to operate this tour, up to 12 guests in our custom tour vans.

Because DETOURS travels with a maximum of 12 passengers, this allows us to take a flexible approach and take full advantage of touring opportunities in the American West.

TransportationDETOURS custom touring vehicles are specifically designed for small groups with comfortable, individual captain’s chairs.

Tour Guides Our guides have many years of experience in leading tours throughout the American West. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will ensure that everyone gets the most from each destination.

Accommodations/LodgingThe accommodations inside the National Parks have been chosen to give guests the best access to the surrounding areas. For those traveling alone, there are single occupancy rates available.

Activity LevelsThis tour offers a wide range of walking opportunities, which requires a reasonable level of fitness, mostly due to possible elevation changes. The level of activity can be tailored to almost all levels of fitness.

Third Party ActivitiesAny third party activities not listed in tour itinerary are not included. There will be free time on some days and if you wish to participate in any additional third party activites, there will be an additional out-of-pocket cost.

Baggage Allowance Individual luggage must be kept to a maximum of one piece of luggage less than 50 pounds. It is recommended to travel with a small day pack for easy access to camera, sunblock, and other personal items. We advise our clients to pack as lightly as possible.

Temperature/WeatherTemperatures range from very cool in the mornings and evenings, with warm days. A layered clothing approach works best. Temperatures across the American West vary by season and unexpected weather is always a possibility. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.

Private Tour Option This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.

NotesA minimum number of guests must be met for this tour. You may be booked on stand by until the tour is confirmed.

Due to the developing tourism industry in the area, changes can and do occur in this type of program. Weather conditions that are severe enough to limit where we can drive or walk can alter the program. As visitors, we will respect this and remain flexible and open to local conditions, safety concerns, and unforeseen circumstances. Our guides will do their best to keep things on track, but in the event that our schedule changes, they will try to keep disruption to a minimum, consider your wishes, and organize other options as far as it is reasonable and practical to do so.

TOUR ITINERARY

Las Vegas Cool Down Tour

Day 1:

Feel the coolness of the early morning air as we travel east through the spectacular Virgin River Gorge. After a quick stretch and photo opportunity, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at Pipe Spring National Monument, where Native Americans, Mormon ranchers, plants, and animals alike have depended on the life-giving water found in this beautiful desert oasis. Learn about pioneer and Kaibab Paiute life by exploring all Pipe Spring has to offer including the museum, historic fort and cabins, garden and orchard, and Ridge Trail.

Rising dramatically in elevation, the tour heads south through ranch land, junipers, pines, and finally, into the alpine aspens and fir forests of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim is over 8,000 feet in elevation and offers a serene and enthralling Grand Canyon experience. It is more remote and less developed than the South Rim, attracting far fewer tourists. Many people consider the North Rim lookouts to be the best views since they are located at a higher elevation. A late afternoon hike to watch the sun set over the canyon and a hosted dinner at the lodge makes for the perfect end to a wonderful day.

Overnight at historic Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge

Day 2:

Witness the sunrise over the North Rim for an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a morning walking the rim trail or taking part in a national park activity, our guided tour heads into Utah along the Mormon Trail to beautiful Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is home to thick forests of Bristlecone and Ponderosa Pine trees and odd-shaped pillars of rock, called hoodoos, left standing from the forces of erosion. Although hoodoos can be found on every continent, this unique national park boasts the largest collection of hoodoos in the world! The view from Sunset Point as the colors emerge just before the sun sets will take your breath away!

Overnight at historic Bryce Canyon Lodge

Day 3:

Spend the morning relaxing at the lodge or choose an optional activity, such as a hike, horseback ride, ATV off-roading adventure, park ranger activity, or touring viewpoints along the road to Bryce Point. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! After lunch, our small group heads south and east to into the heart of Mormon Country to Panguitch, a pioneer town rich in western history.

An incredible drive leads us to Cedar Breaks National Monument, a giant amphitheater high atop the Markagunt Plateau, over 2,500 feet deep and more than three miles across. With spectacular colors formed by an abundance of mineral deposits, Cedar Breaks is breathtaking to see. From the highest point of 10,662 feet to the lowest at 8,100 feet, there are spectacular views of dense forests of subalpine fir, spruce, and quaking aspens, plus fields containing more than 150 species of wildflowers.

We’ll end the day touring Zion National Park surrounded by spectacular cliffs along the banks of the Virgin River. The name “Zion” means a place of peace and refuge. As a sanctuary with over 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, diverse plant and animal life, and uninterrupted beauty, Zion is aptly named. It’s massive sandstone walls, some as high as 3,800 feet, offer an opportunity for serenity and reflection for all who visit. Our perfectly located accommodation at Zion Lodge is in the heart of the park, giving you easy access to continue exploration at your leisure. You can walk to nearby trails, restaurants, galleries, and more. Let your adventurous and wandering mind lead you through the incredible hiker’s paradise of Zion.

Overnight at Zion Lodge

Day 4:

Choose a horse ride in Zion Canyon, an exhilarating walk to Angel’s Landing or Emerald Pools Trail, or just enjoy the surroundings of this incredible lodge today. After lunch, our tour heads to St. George. The historic St. George, Utah was named in honor of Mormon apostle George A. Smith, also known as the “Potato Saint”, because he urged early settlers to eat raw, unpeeled potatoes to cure scurvy. Smith did not participate in the town’s settlement, but personally selected many of the pioneers that originally settled the area. Our day comes to a close as we journey through the Paiute Indian Tribal Lands, vast forest of Joshua Trees, and back into the Mojave Desert before returning to the bright lights and neon of Las Vegas.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Lodging for three nights

Three breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners

Entrance fees to National Parks and State Parks

Unlimited bottled water

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Additional third party tours and activities not listed above

Meals not listed above

Incidental hotel fees

Travel insurance

Guide gratuities

TRAVEL TIPS

It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread and travel with a small day pack for easy access to camera, sunblock, and other personal items. We advise guests to pack as lightly as possible. Temperatures across the American West vary by season. We recommend bringing a jacket in the event of changing weather patterns.

ARE YOU READY FOR 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS OF ADVENTURE?

PHOTO GALLERY

FAQ

How much luggage can we bring?

Limit luggage to one suitcase that is less than 50 pounds and a day pack.

How much walking is required?

This tour offers a wide range of walking opportunities, which requires a reasonable level of fitness, mostly due to possible elevation changes. The level of activity can be tailored to almost all levels of fitness.

Any third party activities not listed in tour itinerary are not included. There will be free time on some days and if you wish to participate in any additional third party activites, there will be an additional out-of-pocket cost.

What hotels do you pick up at?

Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas South, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, and The Palazzo.

We recommend booking pre and post tour accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas South, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, or The Palazzo. We pick up and drop off at these hotels only. Guests staying at other hotels will be responsible for transportation to the pick up location and from the drop off location.

Are pre-tour accommodations included?

No, but we can assist with pre-tour accommodations for additional cost.

Are post-tour accommodations included?

No, but we can assist with post-tour accommodations for additional cost.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We recommend that you book early to guarantee a space on the tour, as these tours are limited to 12 passengers. Bookings can be made up to one year in advance of departure date.

What is the weather like?

Temperatures range from very cool in the mornings and evenings, with warm days. A layered clothing approach works best. Temperatures across the American West vary by season and unexpected weather is always a possibility. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.

What hotels do we stay at?

The accommodations inside the National Parks have been chosen to give guests the best access to the surrounding areas.

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